Clinical and epidemiological aspects of hepatocellular carcinoma in a region of the state of Minas Gerais – Brazil

Introduction: Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is essential for curative therapeutic strategies and prolonged survival. The behavior of HCC in Latin America remains poorly understood. Objectives This study aimed to assess the prevalence and epidemiology of the disease, adherence to screening deadlines, tumor detection through tests, and outcomes. Methods The study was conducted in the hepatology outpatient clinic of a public hospital in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is a retrospective, descriptive cohort study involving 3,862 patients treated at the Hospital de Clínicas of the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro from 2018 to 2022. Adult patients with HCC were included through intentional, non-probabilistic sampling. Those with liver nodules unrelated to HCC were excluded. Results A total of 3,862 patients were treated, and 27 cases of HCC were diagnosed (0.7%). The mean age at diagnosis was 62 years, 59.3% were 60 years or older, 70.4% were male, 55.6% were smokers, and 66.7% were alcoholics. Other risk factors included hepatitis B and C (66.7%) and metabolic liver disease (MLD) in 44.4%. HCC was diagnosed concomitantly with cirrhosis in 26% of cases, and 48.1% of the 27 cases were in advanced or terminal stages of the disease. Ultrasound identified the tumor in 60% of cases. The mean interval between screening tests was 10.5 months for ultrasound and 8.2 months for alpha-fetoprotein. Conclusion It is understood that monitoring of liver disease by Public Health Services located outside of large Brazilian metropolises can be optimized.